Twin brothers Derrick And Erick Burrough, both 45 and residents of Georgia, have filed identical lawsuits against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging that they were injured while riding a major attraction at the newly opened Epic Universe theme park. The legal filings claim the incident occurred on Christmas Day last year during a ride on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a high-profile motion simulation attraction that forms the centerpiece of the Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic expansion.
According to the complaints, the ride abruptly malfunctioned, causing sudden and erratic movements that allegedly resulted in significant physical injuries. The brothers are each seeking damages exceeding $50,000, citing physical harm, emotional distress, lost wages, and mounting medical expenses. The case raises fresh scrutiny over ride safety standards and operational accountability at one of the world’s most prominent entertainment destinations.
Alleged Ride Malfunction and Reported Injuries
In the lawsuits filed last week, Derrick and Erick Burrough claim that the motion simulation ride came to an abrupt and unexpected stop while they were seated inside. The legal complaints describe the ride as having “thrusted” them erratically when it malfunctioned, resulting in what they characterize as significant injuries. The sudden halt, combined with the ride’s immersive movement technology, allegedly caused the brothers to experience forceful jolts that they argue exceeded reasonable safety expectations for a theme park attraction.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is marketed as a technologically advanced experience designed to simulate dramatic action sequences within the fictional wizarding world. The ride combines motion simulation vehicles, digital projection, and synchronized mechanical effects to create a high-intensity adventure. According to the brothers’ claims, the malfunction disrupted this carefully choreographed system, transforming the immersive experience into what they describe as a hazardous event.
The lawsuits assert that Universal Orlando Resort had a duty to maintain the ride in a reasonably safe condition and to warn guests of any known dangerous conditions. The complaints allege that the resort negligently failed in these obligations. Specifically, the filings argue that the ride’s mechanical and operational systems should have been properly inspected, maintained, and monitored to prevent sudden stops or erratic movements that could pose a risk to riders.
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The brothers further contend that the physical consequences of the incident have extended beyond the immediate aftermath. They claim ongoing medical treatment and continuing physical discomfort. In addition to bodily injury, the lawsuits cite mental anguish, suggesting that the experience had emotional and psychological repercussions as well. The plaintiffs maintain that these impacts have affected their daily lives, employment, and overall well-being.
Epic Universe’s Flagship Attraction Under Scrutiny
The ride at the center of the dispute is one of the headline attractions of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park expansion. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry opened as the largest and most anticipated feature of the Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic area in May 2025. On its opening day, guests reportedly waited up to five hours to experience the attraction, underscoring its popularity and the scale of public interest surrounding it.
As a flagship ride, it represents a significant investment in cutting-edge theme park engineering and immersive storytelling. Motion simulation attractions rely on complex synchronization between ride vehicles, computer systems, safety restraints, and real-time monitoring technology. These systems are designed with multiple redundancies intended to protect riders in the event of technical irregularities. However, as with any large-scale mechanical system, malfunctions can occur.
The Burroughs’ lawsuits suggest that the ride had experienced repeated malfunctions, glitches, and hard stops since its opening. This claim was echoed in a public statement issued by Morgan & Morgan, the law firm representing the twins. The firm stated that the ride had allegedly been “plagued by repeated malfunctions, glitches and hard stops” since it debuted. The attorneys argue that such a pattern, if proven, would indicate systemic issues rather than an isolated event.
Universal Orlando Resort has not publicly responded in detail to the specific allegations, though media outlets have sought comment. In cases involving theme park incidents, operators typically conduct internal reviews and coordinate with state regulatory agencies responsible for amusement ride safety oversight. Florida law requires amusement rides to meet stringent inspection and maintenance standards, with regular reporting to state authorities.
The case also draws attention to the inherent tension between high-intensity entertainment design and passenger safety. Modern theme park rides are engineered to deliver thrilling sensations while remaining within carefully calculated safety tolerances. Plaintiffs in such cases often argue that mechanical deviations, even if brief, can transform an otherwise safe thrill ride into a source of injury. Operators, in turn, frequently contend that emergency stops and protective shutdowns are part of standard safety protocols designed to prevent more serious harm.
Legal Claims, Damages, and Broader Implications
Derrick and Erick Burrough are each seeking damages exceeding $50,000. Their claims include compensation for physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and mental anguish. While the requested amount exceeds the $50,000 threshold typically cited in civil complaints, the final award—if any—would depend on evidence presented in court or a potential settlement agreement.
The lawsuits emphasize that Universal Orlando Resort had a legal duty to ensure the attraction was safe for guests and to provide adequate warnings about any known risks. Premises liability and negligence law generally require businesses open to the public to exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions. In the context of amusement parks, this duty encompasses ride design, maintenance, employee training, and real-time operational oversight.
Morgan & Morgan, representing the twins, issued a statement asserting that theme parks have a fundamental responsibility to keep guests safe. The firm said its clients continue to seek treatment and that their injuries are impacting their everyday lives. The attorneys argue that the incident was entirely preventable and that accountability is necessary to address what they characterize as a safety lapse.
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The legal action also comes amid broader scrutiny of ride safety at major theme parks. Last May, a separate lawsuit was filed by Casey Causey of Florida against Universal Orlando, alleging injury after being stranded midair for more than an hour on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in July 2023. While the two cases involve different attractions and separate factual circumstances, they collectively contribute to ongoing public discussion about ride reliability and emergency response protocols.
For theme park operators, lawsuits of this nature can carry both financial and reputational consequences. Even when incidents are rare relative to the volume of annual visitors, high-profile allegations can shape public perception. Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most visited vacation destinations in the United States, attracting millions of guests each year. Maintaining consumer trust is central to its business model.
At the same time, the legal process will require the plaintiffs to substantiate their claims with medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of mechanical failure or negligent maintenance. Universal’s legal team will likely present its own evidence regarding inspection records, safety procedures, and compliance with regulatory standards. Courts typically examine whether the operator met industry norms and whether any malfunction constituted negligence rather than an unavoidable technical issue.
The outcome of the Burroughs’ lawsuits could influence how theme parks address public communication about ride malfunctions. It may also prompt renewed evaluation of inspection protocols, documentation practices, and emergency response training. While many ride shutdowns are precautionary and do not result in injury, allegations involving abrupt stops and physical harm tend to attract heightened legal scrutiny.
As the case proceeds, it will likely involve detailed examination of ride logs, maintenance histories, and sensor data from the date of the alleged incident. Experts in mechanical engineering and ride safety may be called upon to interpret whether the movements described in the lawsuits were outside acceptable design parameters. Ultimately, the legal system will determine whether the plaintiffs’ injuries were the result of negligence or an unfortunate but non-negligent mechanical event.
The twin brothers’ filings underscore the balance theme parks must strike between delivering cutting-edge immersive experiences and ensuring consistent operational safety. With Epic Universe positioned as a landmark expansion for Universal Orlando Resort, the scrutiny surrounding one of its premier attractions will remain closely watched as the litigation unfolds.